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Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

This creamy cajun sausage pasta combines smoky sausage and tender pasta in a rich and balanced sauce for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 6 servings
Calories 483 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • large skillet

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce

  • 16 oz short cut pasta gluten-free if needed
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 Tablespoon cajun seasoning divided
  • 1 (12 oz) smoked andouille sausage sliced on the bias
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 2 bell peppers any color diced
  • Pinch red pepper flakes to taste
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 ¼ cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
  • 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese plus more for serving
  • Fresh parsley for serving

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it to al dente according to the package directions. When it's done, remove a cup of the pasta water and set aside. Drain the pasta but do not rinse it.
  • While it's cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and 2 teaspoons of cajun seasoning and cook to crisp on both sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a clean plate or bowl.
  • Turn the stove down to medium heat and add the onion and pepper, the remaining teaspoon of cajun seasoning, and a little bit of red pepper flakes to the same skillet and cook to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
  • Whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and tomato paste until smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-7 minutes to thicken slightly.
  • Stir in the parmesan cheese, then add the cooked pasta and crispy sausage and toss to coat. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water as needed until the sauce is glossy and coats the noodles well. Serve right away with more parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Notes

This pasta works well with penne or another short pasta shape that holds onto the sauce. Gluten-free pasta often comes in 12-ounce boxes, while regular pasta is usually 16 ounces. Cajun blends can vary, so start with less seasoning if it's particularly spicy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 483kcalCarbohydrates: 64.1gProtein: 16.7gFat: 17.5gCholesterol: 31.5mgSodium: 558.9mgFiber: 4.1gSugar: 5.9gVitamin A: 129.1IUVitamin C: 54.2mg
Keyword comfort food, Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta, Pasta, quick dinner, sausage, weeknight meal
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